One-touch on-off showerhead valve

Abstract

A one-touch on-off showerhead valve apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid by pushbutton operation that includes a body having an inner cavity which is divided into first, second and third spaces by a bellows and a support plate mounted therein. The bellows defines a first flow path to permit fluid entering the apparatus to flow between the first and second spaces. A spool fixed to and penetrating both the support plate and bellows defines a second flow path having a diameter larger than the first flow path which permits fluid to flow between the second and third spaces. A valve connected to the pushbutton selectively permits fluid to flow through the second flow path. A third flow path is formed in the support plate that permits fluid to flow between the first and third spaces. When the second flow path is normally closed by the valve, the bellows blocks the third flow path preventing fluid from flowing into the third space and out of the apparatus. When the second flow path is selectively opened upon depression of the pushbutton, fluid flows from the second space to the third space through the second flow path. The fluid pressure in the third space becomes greater than that of the second space, thereby causing the bellows to uncover the third flow path and fluid flows between the first and third spaces and out of the apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus comprising: a body in which a predetermined space is formed and on which an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid supply source is formed;   a bellows which is accommodated in said body and installed so as to divide the inner space of said body into a first space and a second space, and which defines a first flow path for receiving said fluid from the first space which communicates with said inlet to the second space;   a bellows supporter fixed to said body and closely connected to said bellows, the bellows supporter defining a second flow path which is formed between said second space and a third space penetrating said bellows from a substantially central portion, and defining a third flow path which is formed between said first space and said third space when said bellows is moved in a direction toward said second space according to the pressure difference between said first and second spaces; and   an on-off valve which is installed through said body so as to be externally operable, said on-off valve opening said second flow path upon pressing an externally protruded edge portion and closing said second flow path by releasing said edge portion.   
     
     
       2. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cover portion on which a plurality of holes are formed for minutely separating and externally discharging the fluid in said third space. 
     
     
       3. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an operating unit which is combined to the externally protruded edge portion of said on-off valve is attached to an outer portion of said body. 
     
     
       4. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of said second flow path is larger than the diameter of said first flow path. 
     
     
       5. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises a head of a shower apparatus. 
     
     
       6. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an operating unit which is combined to the externally protruded edge portion of said on-off valve is attached to an outer portion of said body. 
     
     
       7. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the diameter of said second flow path is larger than the diameter of said first flow path. 
     
     
       8. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operating unit which is combined to the externally protruded edge portion of said on-off valve is attached to an outer portion of said body. 
     
     
       9. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of said second flow path is larger than the diameter of said first flow path. 
     
     
       10. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said bellows supporter comprises: a support plate for closely combining said bellows therewith; and a spool which is installed by penetrating said support plate and said bellows, one end of said spool connected with said on-off valve and the other end of said spool protruding into said third space, said spool having said second flow path formed in a central portion thereof.   
     
     
       11. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said bellows supporter further comprises a reinforced plate which is mounted to the spool in order to prevent said bellows from being damaged. 
     
     
       12. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said bellows define a plurality of first flow paths for receiving said fluid from the first space which communicates with said inlet to the second space. 
     
     
       13. A one-touch on-off valve apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the diameter of said second flow path is larger than the total diameters of said first flow paths.